Ministers are examining whether new legislation should be introduced to formally exclude Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal line of succession.
Defence Secretary Luke Pollard said the proposal would be appropriate regardless of how the ongoing police inquiry concludes, arguing that it would be the correct step to protect the monarchy’s future.
Although Andrew lost his royal titles, including the use of “prince,” last October amid controversy surrounding his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he currently remains eighth in line to the throne as the brother of the King.
On Thursday night, Andrew was released under investigation roughly 11 hours after being detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, Pollard confirmed that the government has been working closely with Buckingham Palace to ensure Andrew could never be “one step away from the throne.” He added that while he hoped the proposal would receive cross-party backing, it would be appropriate for any legislation to move forward only once the police inquiry is complete.
Meanwhile, police activity continued at Royal Lodge, the large Windsor estate where Andrew has lived for years. On Friday, numerous unmarked vehicles were seen entering and leaving the property. Although it remains unclear how much of the activity is directly related to the investigation, Thames Valley Police are expected to continue searches at the residence until at least Monday.
The renewed discussion follows growing political support for such a move. MPs from the Liberal Democrats and the SNP have indicated they would back legislation to amend the succession rules. Some Labour MPs, however, have questioned whether a legal change is necessary, pointing out how unlikely it is that Andrew would ever inherit the throne.
Only months earlier, Downing Street had stated there were no plans to alter the line of succession. However, historian David Olusoga told BBC Newsnight that the latest developments have created an urgent desire within both government and palace circles to isolate the scandal from the rest of the monarchy.
Any change to the succession would require an Act of Parliament, approval by both the Commons and the Lords, and royal assent from Charles III. It would also need the consent of the 14 Commonwealth nations where the King remains head of state, including Canada, Australia, Jamaica, and New Zealand.
The most recent parliamentary adjustment to succession rules occurred in 2013, when laws were changed to allow heirs previously excluded for marrying Catholics to regain their place. The last time an individual was removed entirely from the line of succession was in 1936, following the abdication of Edward VIII.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stressed that police should be allowed to carry out their investigation independently but acknowledged that Parliament may need to address the issue in due course to ensure Andrew can never become King.
The SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn also confirmed his party would support legislation if required. Labour MP Rachael Maskell went further, saying Andrew should be removed both from the line of succession and from his role as a counsellor of state.
Counsellors of state may temporarily act on behalf of the monarch during illness or overseas travel, though in practice only working royals usually perform those duties. According to the House of Commons Library, removal from the succession would automatically end Andrew’s eligibility for that role.
Andrew stepped away from public life in 2019 following widespread criticism of a televised interview about his relationship with Epstein.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said it was essential for public figures to allow the police investigation to proceed without interference.